The free LDS Music app for Android recently moved from beta to general release on the Google Play store. Android users can now have the same great experience with LDS music as iOS users. They will find many of the familiar features of other LDS-sponsored mobile apps as they explore LDS Music for Android.

The Android version contains all the music found in Hymns (the LDS hymnbook) and the Children’s Songbook, as well as other selected songs. Content for the Android version is available in 20 languages, available from “Settings” in the upper right corner where you see the three stacked dots.

Navigation is easy from the top menu bar where you see “Songs,” “Topics,” “People,” or “Playlists.” The search box stays clearly visible, and as you start typing a hymn number, or the beginnings of a song title, you are instantly presented with your selection or a short list that contains what you are looking for.

Sort the “Songs” category alphabetically or numerically using the 3-bar icon at the top. If you are not sure of the number, the first line, or title of the song and you need to scroll quickly, a really nice feature is as close as your fingertip. Move to the far right and hold and drag your finger down your touch screen. You will see numbers or letters increment sequentially in a bubble. When you release pressure, you are right where you need to be or very close.

Tap the “+” under “Playlists” to name a custom group and save it. Then under “Songs” long press on a song title and use the dialogue box to add the item to a playlist. Songs for sharing time, family home evening, kid favorites, and anything you want can be kept together in one easily accessible location.

Unlike music in the Gospel library app, which only displays the stanzas of a hymn in text format, the LDS Music app has sheet music with vocal and instrumental accompaniment. A few songs are unavailable due to copyright restrictions across all LDS apps, but they are few and far between. If you find yourself without a pianist for a meeting, the app is a great back-up for music accompaniment, and is even better when connected to a Bluetooth speaker or portable sound system. A network connection such as Wi-Fi is currently required for the audio content, but all the visual elements download to your device in the language you select.

Android developers have many more things they’d like to add to the app to make it even better. Jordan Hansen, one of the developers, says, “We are really excited to get the app out there and get community help with the app going forward.” If you have some time, join the project on LDSTech. After you sign up you’ll receive beta versions and be able to help with testing new features. If you have feedback, use “Help” under “Settings” to send a message to the development team. In the meantime, enjoy this first release and make it one of your favorites on your home screen. Have fun. Relive your mission experience by pulling up a hymn in a foreign language. Let your friends know it’s now available!

Comments

Why can't this just be included in Gospel Library? I hate having 2 apps. Plus, why the copyright issue? If it's in our print hymnals, why can't it be in our digital hymnals? Without all the hymns, I might as well just open a print hymnal.

Why can't this just be included in Gospel Library? I hate having 2 apps. Plus, why the copyright issue? If it's in our print hymnals, why can't it be in our digital hymnals? Without all the hymns, I might as well just open a print hymnal.

Hi Morgan,

I can't speak to the "why two apps" question, but as a beta user of the Android app I have only encountered two hymns that had copyright issues. In the several months since I began using it, only once did one of those two hymns come up in any of our meetings. Give it a try. I hope you will be pleasantly surprised.

I really like having the "Additional Children's Songs"! Could you include other music, as much as is possible, from the Ensign, Liahona, New Era and Friends magazines. Having a variety of music is always good!

How do I get the 'play' button in the lower-right corner back once it disappears?

If I go to a hymn the button is there. If I navigate away from the app (e.g. check calendar) and then back to the hymn app, the button is gone. There is no way that I can find to get it back short of going to next hymn and back or re-finding the hymn altogether.